This obit was listed in the local column of a Unionville, MO newspaper in the June 7, 1883 issue. Local, 7 Jun 1883 James GRAY, formerly a resident of Lincoln township, in this county was instantly killed at Webb City, Jasper county, Mo, on Thursday, May 24th by falling down a shaft in one of the lead mines at that place. The Webb City Times gives the following particulars: Thursday evening another one of those accidents occurred which cast a gloom over our community and leave one more sad warning to a reckless risk of human l ife. At five o'clock, the hands of F.M. Simpson & Co., on the Center Creek ground were coming out of the shaft, James Gray, ground boss, attempted to come out on the ladder where two men had started ahead of him in the tub. His comrades, Barnard WILLIAMS and VANZANT, endeavored to disuade him by pointing out the danger from the descending tub, should it reach the top first, but he recklessly ascended and when about 65 feet from the bottom, the tub struck him on the head, knocking him off the ladder, and falling on his head at the bottom of the shaft. Life was exinct when picked up. No one is to blame, as those in the tub knew nothing of his being on the ladder so we are informed. Mr. Gray was a experienced miner having following mining for 14 years. He was a good workman, and steady, aged 31. His remains were conveyed to his home, where an effort was made to keep them until the arrival of his wife, who is visiting her parents, at Alma, Arkansas, but as it was found she could not reach here as was expected, they were interred here this afternoon.